The Phenomenon of This Photo Displayed in Many Padang Restaurants

Amid rising raw material prices forcing many traders to devise strategies for survival, an interesting sight is almost always found in Padang restaurants. On a corner wall, a photograph of an old man wearing a black fez is typically displayed. For the Minangkabau community, this figure is no ordinary person, as he is believed to possess supernatural powers. He is Syech Kiramatullah, better known as Ungku Saliah, a charismatic cleric from Padang Pariaman who lived between 1887 and 1974. According to research titled ‘Menapaki Jejak Tuanku Buya Saliah di Padang Pariaman: Kajian Arkeologi Islam’ (2022), Ungku Saliah was known as a religious figure who deeply studied Islam and led the Syattariyah order in West Sumatra. However, what made Ungku Saliah so famous among the public was not only his work as a cleric but also the various tales of supernatural power attached to him. In the book ‘Spirit Islam Pada Masa Revolusi Indonesia’ (2020), historian Kevin W. Fogg wrote that many stories mention Ungku Saliah’s ability to cure diseases, ward off magic, break the influence of love spells and witchcraft through prayer, and even predict future events. One of the most frequently told stories is when he suddenly asked the community to disband a market because rain was coming, even though the weather was clear and it was not the rainy season. Later, the ‘rain’ in question turned out not to be water from the sky, but a Dutch air attack that bombarded the market area. These stories continued to spread by word of mouth, making the figure of Ungku Saliah increasingly respected. After his death, the stories about him actually developed more widely. According to research titled ‘Antara Mitos Ungku Saliah dengan Haji Saleh Masuk Neraka’ (2009), these stories eventually evolved into a myth within Pariaman society. Ungku Saliah’s photograph is believed to bring blessings, serve as a talisman to repel calamity, and boost business fortunes. On that basis, his photo is widely hung in homes, food stalls, small eateries, and various business premises owned by Minang migrants, such as Padang restaurants, satay carts, and souvenir shops. ‘What is emphasised from the photo is that Ungku Saliah is sacred, powerful, and his prayers are efficacious; with his prayers, merchandise can sell well, and he is also regarded as a bringer of good fortune,’ the research notes. It is for this reason that, to this day, Ungku Saliah’s photo is still easily found in many Padang restaurants. For some, it is merely a form of respect for a great Minangkabau cleric. Yet for others, the photograph is a symbol of hope that the business remains busy, protected from disaster, and always receives blessings.